Agnew named outstanding 4-H alumnus
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EmailIngham and Macomb County 4-H alumnus Dr. Dalen Agnew, of Williamston, was among nine 4-H alumni inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society at a ceremony on Oct. 3.
Ingham and Macomb County 4-H alumnus Dr. Dalen Agnew, of Williamston, is among nine 4-H alumni inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society. Agnew was recognized on Oct. 3 during the Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration hosted by Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation at the MSU University Club in Lansing.
The Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society honors former Michigan 4-H members whose professional leadership and community service reflect the ultimate outcome of 4-H membership – extraordinary use of an individual’s head, heart, hands and health to make communities, the country and the world better places in which to live. This recognition is provided by Michigan 4-H Youth Development with support from the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
Agnew has dedicated his career to animal health, with 36 years as a veterinarian and 24 years in pathology. Currently, Agnew serves as chair of the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation and professor at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He also teaches within the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health.
Agnew earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from MSU before completing a residency in veterinary anatomic pathology and earning his Doctor of Comparative Pathology at the University of California, Davis. His distinguished career has included leadership roles at the Detroit Zoological Park, Detroit Zoological Institute, Zoological Society of San Diego, University of California, Davis and MSU. He is nationally recognized and widely respected for his contributions to veterinary medicine, wildlife and zoo animal health, diagnostic pathology, research and teaching. His honors include previously serving as the MSU Dehn Endowed Chair of Veterinary Medicine, earning the American College of Veterinary Pathologists Presidential Award and multiple professional teaching and service awards.
Some of Agnew’s earliest animal interactions came during his time as an Ingham and Macomb County 4-H’er, where he was very active in the horse program. He continued his 4-H involvement as an adult, serving as a 4-H horse show judge for 10 years, volunteering his time at Michigan 4-H horse events and supporting his children through 16 years of 4-H participation.
“As a 4-H youth, I was blessed with many leaders who taught me many livestock skills, but also life skills like compassion, teamwork, kindness, respect and leadership,” said Agnew. “I was able to put these into practice throughout my career as a veterinarian and as a leader in my profession; hopefully giving back even a small amount of the personal value I received from 4-H.”
Beyond his involvement with 4-H, Agnew is a dedicated community volunteer and philanthropist. He shares his expertise through presentations to middle school students and continues to invest in the future of young people through the Michigan 4-H Foundation. His family created the Norma Agnew 4-H Horse Judging Endowment Fund at the Foundation in honor of his mother and Agnew currently serves on the Michigan 4-H Foundation’s Leadership and Major Gifts Committee.
Also inducted into the 4-H Emerald Clover Society Class of 2026 were: Beverly K. Ferris Hain, Jenison; Benjamin J. LaCross, Lake Leelanau; Elizabeth A. Manwell, Canton; State Rep. Gerald A. Neyer, Shepherd; Judith K. Paulsen, Hartland; Jackie A. Rider, Durand; Roxanne S. Turner, Fowlerville; and Emma J. Young, Detroit. Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society members are inducted every two years. The inaugural class of 62 members was inducted in 2002. For more information on the 4 H Emerald Clover Society and its members, visit www.mi4hfdtn.org/ecs.
Other honorees recognized at the 2026 Michigan 4-H Legacy Awards Celebration included partners receiving the 2026 Michigan 4-H Citation Award, volunteers awarded the 2025 and 2026 Michigan 4-H Salute to Excellence Awards, volunteers awarded the 2025 and 2026 Michigan Farm Bureau Excellence in Agriculture Awards, 50-year 4-H volunteers recognized in 2025 and 2026, winners of the 2025 and 2026 MSU 4-H Scholarship, and 4-H staff retiring since 2024. To make a donation in tribute of Agnew or another awardee, visit https://mi4hfdtn.org/memorial-tribute-gifts/.
